Kirinyaga police recalled after 23 die, 20 go blind over illicit brew

A section of California pub in Kangai, Kirinyaga Central where the killer brew has claimed the lives of 23 people leaving 20 others blind. [Kibata Kihu, Standard]

All State officers in charge of the Kirinyaga County area where 23 people and 20 others went blind after consuming illicit brew have been recalled.

The announcement was made by Interior CS Professor Kithure Kindiki on X (formerly Twitter).

Kindiki said that this includes Senior law enforcement and National Government Enforcement officers who worked and were in charge of Kangai village in Mwea East.

"The Government has recalled senior law enforcement and National Government Administration officers who by conduct or misconduct may have contributed to the recent loss of lives occasioned by the consumption of an illicit toxic brew in Kirinyaga County, Central region," said Kindiki.

The CS said the transfers are immediate and that investigations into the incident had been launched.

"Relevant agencies are directed to immediately initiate inquiries upon which appropriate administrative action will ensue those found culpable," he added.

The owner of the bar where the brew was gotten from John Muriithi Karaya was arraigned in court and it was directed that he be detained for 20 days in order for police to conclude investigations.

He is currently being held at the Kiamaciri Police Station and the case will be mentioned on March 7, 2024.

Area residents took matters into their own hands and torched the bar.